Leader’s Notes:

In this first session, you will watch the entire The Shepherd & The Sound film. The format will be slightly different from the rest of the sessions. In session 2 you will introduce the group to the format you’ll use for the rest of your time together. Today’s session will include a few elements like an introduction to breath prayer and using the participant booklet for note taking.

What follows is a guide for leading your group through this session – every session has a similar guide. Keep in mind that texts in italics (like this) are reminders or notes for you as the leader, while texts in regular type (like this) are scripts for you to read as you lead the session.

Welcome

Welcome all participants and introduce yourself.

If this is a new group of people, take a moment to invite everyone to introduce themselves.

We are excited to start this journey together today through The Shepherd & The Sound. In our first session we will simply watch the film together and then spend some time reflecting on what we saw and what we experienced during the film.

The full Community Journey consists of ten 1-1.5 hour sessions. After this introductory session, each future session will focus on a single theme including: landscape, family, identity, emotion, failure, loss and lament, sound, and wandering.

During each session we will watch and explore sections of the film, and then reflect on the theme through questions, readings and discussion.

The participant booklet is designed to help you record your thoughts and reflections. You can also use your phone for voice recordings, or your own journals to draw pictures or make notes to keep a record of your experiences.

In our next session, we will discuss more about the format of our time together. Today, feel free to peruse your booklet and note any thoughts or questions you have.

Breath Prayer

Before we start the film, we are going to take a moment of quiet to release the day and centre ourselves in the Eternal through breath prayer.

As we breathe, I invite you to let go of your day. Release it. Feel your breath going into your lungs and out. We’re going to breathe together for one minute. If closing your eyes is helpful, you can do that now.

Introduction

Although we will be exploring specific themes throughout our Community Journey sessions, today I encourage you to simply enter into the narrative and experience of David.

Have your booklet and pen (or phone) available so that you can write down anything that stands out as you watch and listen.

Film Scene

Watch film clip 1.1 – Full Film

Film Reflection

Note: We encourage you to not rush people to talk after the film ends. Use the full credit sequence time for people to process their thoughts on their own.

We’re not going to rush through this moment. Take your time to answer questions. Write down your responses and/or share with the group.

What are your initial thoughts and feelings about the film?

Were you surprised by anything?

What stood out to you?

What question(s) does the film leave you with?

Here’s one moment that stood out for me: Share a personal story about the first time you saw the film to get conversation started.

Action Reflection

Before we close, we’re going to take a few minutes to reflect on the first screening and the conversation that followed.

In the booklet, you’ll see an invitation to write your response to this question:

Is there anything you would like to reflect more deeply on from our time together – a question that arose, a recent struggle, a decision? Spend a few minutes quietly journaling.

Closing Thought

We anticipate these Community Journey sessions may reveal or touch on areas in your life that may feel uncomfortable. Author Brené Brown says, “vulnerability (even just with yourself) is exquisite and excruciating!” However, we want you to know that we are walking this road together and while we will discuss each theme, you’re not obligated to share anything that doesn’t feel right or safe for you.

If you have additional thoughts or questions that don’t fit into our time, please reach out. We would be happy to connect.

Closing Prayer

To close out our time, I’m going to speak a blessing over all of us:

May this time be full of favour and joy,

May there be exciting discoveries

May there be new hope and adventure

May the Presence of Love enfold you

May you know that you are not alone

As you walk along the way of life

With perseverance and courage.